Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Justin and Louise Shepherd; brother, Richard Shepherd; and sister Jackie Strohl.

Dale was a senior refrigeration specialist in the greater Seattle area before his retirement in 2005. Dale and Anna were members of Overlake Christian Church for many years serving in several capacities.

Dale grew up in the Bark River-Harris area, moving downstate, then to Washington State. Dale loved his family, had a flair for writing, loved to take photos and do gardening.